James Harden, repping blue, green, and grey, alongside Anthony Edwards; how does that sound? Well, trade season has begun, and Marc Stein on ‘The Stein Line’ reported the rumor first that the former MVP could be on the Minnesota Timberwolves’ radar as they are crying out loud for a playmaker. Stein added that other teams will also be interested in Harden.
The LA Clippers may find thrill in the sound of their phone ringing non-stop, but in each conversation, Lawrence Frank must stand firm on the cost of Harden.
It does not matter if he is 36 years old. The 11-time all-star is averaging 26.0 points, 8.1 assists, and 5.2 rebounds in 25 games. These are all-NBA numbers, and with that comes an all-NBA price tag that teams like the Timberwolves will have to pay.
Minnesota may try to get away with proposals that do not meet LA’s requirements
The Minnesota Timberwolves have gone from guard to guard looking for a solid playmaker. They have tried with Mike Conley, Bones Hyland, and Robert Dillingham; each has disappointed with inefficient splits and turnovers.
In their last contest, a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, Chris Finch started Hyland. He ended up recording 12 points, five assists, and two turnovers, shooting 3-11 from the field and 2-9 from three; he showed no signs of being reliable.
Thus, James Harden, the league’s current holder of the sixth spot in assist averages, is their focal point of attack through this year's trade season. On the flip side, he would immediately be on the same wavelength as Edwards in Minnesota’s culture.
Moreover, the Timberwolves’ front office may try to pull off a proposal like Conley, Julius Randle, and a future pick swap for Harden. They get backcourt help, but LA gains what? An all-star on a lower caliber than Harden, a 38-year-old point guard, and a swap.
The Clippers should politely say no thanks and counter with a package that appeals to them, consisting of Naz Reid, Terrence Shannon, Dillingham, and salary-fillers like Conley. Draft picks and swaps would be included, and LA could also add Chris Paul to ensure the successful signal in the trade evaluator.
That said, a Harden trade could give the Clippers a future. His value is still through the roof, and if the Timberwolves want a superstar floor general to replace their trying role players, then meeting LA’s demands will be their one and only choice.